Brisbane Roar beat Adelaide United 2-1 in A-League elimination final

BRISBANE veteran Shane Stefanutto took a swipe at Adelaide United after the Roar ended the Reds' A-League season with a 2-1 win at Hindmarsh Stadium last night.

The victory has taken Brisbane to within one win of a third successive grand final appearance, but they must get past Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday night at Parramatta Stadium to reach the April 21 decider.

The already tough task against the Premier's Plate winners will be harder after Luke Brattan, Thomas Broich and Jack Hingert were injured.

Fullback Hingert's season is over after he twisted his ankle, but midfielder Brattan, who limped off late in proceedings last night, should be available.

Yet it is the fitness of talisman Broich that will be causing the Roar most concern.

The German will be a touch-and-go prospect for Friday after being replaced at halftime with heel and calf injuries.

Broich, Hingert and Brattan were casualties in what was a tough contest, as Adelaide stayed true to their pre-match comments of adopting an aggressive attitude to unsettle the Roar.

Stefanutto, who took the captain's armband after Broich went off, told Fox Sports he was unhappy with what had been said by the Reds camp in the build-up to the sudden-death encounter.

"I think some of the things that were said in the media were unnecessary," he said.

"I don't think it needs to be like that. We can all be humble. Now to pick up a few injuries, it's just a little disappointing.

"We've got a big squad that will come in and do the job if required."

Despite the Reds' physical assault, the Roar dominated the first half and deservedly led 2-0 at halftime, courtesy of goals from Brattan and Ivan Franjic.

Brattan delivered a spectacular volley that Adelaide fullback Cassio deflected into the net with a horrible attempted clearance.

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Former Roar prodigy Dario Vidosic ensured a tense finish when he pulled one back for Adelaide late in proceedings.

But Brisbane held on to continue their unlikely bid for a third straight title.

"We did enough. It's good that we live to fight on," Stefanutto said.

Roar coach Mike Mulvey described the first half as his side's best all season, but added that there was little time to dwell on the victory.

"We came out today with belief and certainly with focus," Mulvey said.

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